Hair Trend 2026 - Biggest New Hairstyle and Hair Color Trends in 2026

As 2026 rolls in, hair trends are all about natural beauty, practicality, and subtle personality. Gone are the days of over-the-top styles that require hours of upkeep. In this article, let’s take a look at some of the biggest hair trends coming in 2026 and popular hairstyles and hair colors to try for women and men.

Biggest Hair Trends 2026

2026’s hair trends revolve around three core ideas: health first, versatility, and breaking outdated rules. Stylists and fashion lovers alike are ditching “one-size-fits-all” norms and focusing on looks that feel authentic and easy to maintain.

Hair Health Takes Center Stage

Healthy hair isn’t just a “nice-to-have”—it’s the foundation of every trend in 2026. People are moving away from harsh dyes, excessive heat styling, and over-processing that damages hair. Instead, the focus is on shiny, luscious locks that look like they’re naturally strong. This means more scalp care, nourishing treatments, and choosing colors that don’t require frequent touch-ups. Even trends like highlights or layers are designed to enhance hair health, not compromise it.

Long Hair: Timeless but Not Forced

Long hair remains a classic choice, but it’s no longer about “extensions-only” length. In 2026, long hair is about quality over quantity. Women of all ages—including those in their 60s and 70s—are keeping their hair long if it’s well-cared for. The key is regular trims to avoid split ends, gentle styling, and products that boost shine. Long hair works because it’s versatile: you can wear it straight, wavy, braided, or pulled back—perfect for busy days or special occasions. And unlike past years, there’s no pressure to have super long hair; mid-length to long locks (think shoulder-length to chest-length) are just as trendy.

No More Age-Based Hair Rules

Gone are the days when women were told to cut their hair short after a certain age. 2026 is all about choosing what suits you, not what society expects. Short hair can look amazing on some, but longer or medium-length styles often soften facial features and add a youthful glow. Stylists now recommend haircuts based on face shape, hair texture, and lifestyle—not age. For example, a 50-year-old with thick hair might rock long layers, while someone with fine hair could opt for a textured bob. The goal is to feel confident, not confined.

Practical, Low-Maintenance Cuts

Busy lives call for easy-to-style hair, and 2026 delivers. Practical cuts are designed to air-dry well, hold shape without tons of products, and require minimal upkeep. Think layered cuts that add movement without being choppy, or blunt ends that reduce frizz. These styles work for all hair types: thick hair gets internal layers to lighten weight, while fine hair benefits from subtle layers that add volume. The best part? You can look polished in 5 minutes flat—no blow-dryer or curling iron needed.

Inclusive and Customizable Styles

Hair trends in 2026 are for everyone. We’re seeing more genderless cuts, styles that honor cultural backgrounds, and custom looks that reflect individuality. Whether you want a bold asymmetrical bob, a gender-neutral buzzcut, or a natural curly style, salons are offering personalized consultations to bring your vision to life. This inclusivity means no more trendy styles that only work for a narrow group—everyone can find something that fits.

Best Trending Hairstyles in 2026

Some classic hairstyles will never be out of date, but add some subtle differences to show the personality. On the other hand, the health of hair can be maintained without loss of beauty by applying safe products and techniques.

1. Long Layers with Polished Texture

This style is everywhere in 2026—and for good reason. It works on all hair lengths (from lob to long hair) and every face shape. The key is long, face-framing layers that start just above or below the jawline, paired with subtle texture. It’s not poker straight or overly voluminous—just a happy medium that looks effortless. For square or round faces, the layers soften sharp angles and elongate the face. For oval or oblong faces, they add width and keep the eye from traveling too far down. To style: Use a leave-in conditioner, blow-dry with a round brush, and finish with a light hairspray. For waves, use a large-barrel curling iron for a natural look. 

2. Lived-In Textured Bob

Bobs never go out of style, but 2026’s version is all about texture and ease. Say goodbye to stiff, blunt bobs—this year’s bob is soft, airy, and “lived-in.” It has textured ends and internal layers to remove bulk. The length varies: long bobs (lobs) work great for round, square, or pear faces (they elongate the jawline), while chin-length bobs flatter oval and oblong faces (they add width). For heart or diamond shapes, a chin-length textured bob fills in the narrow jawline, creating balance. To style: Air-dry with mousse for texture, or use a heated round brush for slight volume. Avoid flat irons—you want natural movement.

3. Korean Two-in-One Bob

This unique style is blowing up online—and it’s perfect for anyone with thick, heavy hair. The idea: The underneath section is cut short like a bob (removing 50% of the bulk), while the top layers stay long. When your hair is down, it looks like long layers. When you pull it up into a bun or ponytail, the short undercut peeks through, giving you a bob-like silhouette. It solves the problem of thick hair looking poofy or triangle-shaped. If you have fine or thin hair, skip this— it will take away too much density. 

4. Birkin Bangs

Bangs are back in 2026, and the most popular style is soft, wispy, and angled—think Birkin bangs. These bangs are cut right at or below the eyebrows, with a slight gap in the center (so you can see a little forehead) and angle down toward the temples. They enhance eyes and cheekbones, add youthfulness, and frame the face beautifully. They work for most face shapes—just pay attention to your facial proportions. If your forehead is long, bangs will balance it. If your face is round, the angle adds length. 

5. Defined Natural Curls

Curly hair is finally getting the love it deserves in 2026! The trend is to enhance your natural curls, not straighten them. Whether you have loose waves or tight coils, the goal is defined: bouncy curls with no frizz. Stylists are using dry-cutting techniques to shape curls and recommend products that add moisture and hold (like curl creams or gels). This trend is all about embracing your texture—no more trying to make your hair look like someone else’s. To style: Diffuse your hair on low heat, or air-dry with product. Scrunch gently to encourage curl formation.

6. Soft Side Parts

Millennials, rejoice—side parts are making a huge comeback! After years of middle parts dominating, 2026 is all about soft or deep side parts. They’re easy to try and instantly add volume at the roots. Side parts flatter every face shape: For round or square faces, they draw the eye diagonally, softening bold jaws. For oval faces, they add angles. For heart or diamond shapes, they’re versatile—wear a soft side part for a relaxed look or a deep one for drama. Part your hair to the side while it’s damp, then blow-dry with a brush to set the part. If you want to commit, ask your stylist to cut your face-framing layers while your hair is parted to the side.

Hair Color Trends for 2026

2026’s hair colors are all about subtlety, depth, and natural-looking tones. No more harsh contrasts or neon shades (unless you want them—then go for it!). The biggest trends are soft, rich colors that look expensive and easy to maintain.

1. Espresso Brunette

Brunette is winning in 2026, and the star shade is espresso brunette. It’s a warm, rich brown with subtle dimension—think dark coffee with a hint of caramel. Unlike past dark brunettes that were flat or ashy, this shade has soft, shimmering highlights that are just barely visible. It looks expensive but feels natural. It’s perfect for warm-toned skin, but cool-toned people can tweak it to be more neutral. To achieve it: Ask for a base of espresso brown with baby lights (thin highlights) toned within two levels of the base.

2. Smoky Caramel Blonde

Blondes are getting softer in 2026—say goodbye to brassy or super-platinum shades. Smoky caramel blonde is a balanced mix of warm caramel and cool smoky tones. It’s suedy (not matte or shiny) and looks like you’ve spent time in the sun. The key is equal parts warm and cool—no one tone dominates. It’s low-maintenance because the highlights blend seamlessly with your natural roots. Ask for a level 8-9 blonde base, toned with smoky caramel to balance warmth and ash.

3. Mushroom Ash Blonde

This shade is tricky but trendy— it’s a blonde that looks like a dark brown! It’s lifted to a level 9, then toned to be super ashy and mushroomy. It’s not for everyone—you need to lighten your hair first (you can’t just tone dark hair ashy to get it). But it’s perfect for anyone who wants a cool, edgy look without going full blonde. It’s the only ashy trend in a year of warm tones—so it’s a great way to stand out. Work with a stylist to lighten your hair gradually, then tone with a mushroom ash color.

4. Subtle Ombre

Ombre is back, but it’s nothing like the bold ombre of the 2010s. 2026’s ombre is soft, subtle, and natural—like a little girl’s hair that’s lighter at the ends from the sun. The transition from root to tip is so smooth, you can barely tell where it starts. It’s perfect for anyone who wants dimension without frequent touch-ups. Ask for baby lights that gradually get lighter toward the ends, with no harsh line between root and highlight.

5. Latte-Inspired Blondes

Latte-themed colors (like oat milk latte or vanilla latte) are still going strong in 2026. These are soft, milky blondes with a hint of warmth—never bright or shimmery. They’re perfect for fair to medium skin tones and look super natural. The goal is to mimic the creamy, muted color of a latte—soft and inviting. Ask for a light blonde base with subtle warm highlights, toned to be creamy (not brassy).

6. Gray Blending

Gray blending is more popular than ever. Instead of covering gray hair completely, this technique mixes your natural grays with soft highlights or lowlights. It creates a seamless, lived-in look that honors your natural hair while keeping it stylish. It’s low-maintenance and looks elegant on everyone. Ask your stylist to add highlights or lowlights that match your natural gray tone, blending them with your base color.

7. Bold Accents

If subtlety isn’t your thing, 2026 still has options for you! Bold, expressive colors like deep reds, vivid blues, and rich mahogany are trending— but they’re often worn as peekaboo panels. Peekaboo color is when vibrant shades are hidden under the top layers of hair. You can show them off by pulling your hair back or leaving them hidden for a subtle surprise. It’s a fun way to add personality without committing to full-head color. Ask for hidden panels of your favorite bold color (like cherry red or sapphire blue) under your top layers.

Always match your hair color to your skin tone! Warm skin tones (yellow or golden undertones) look best with espresso brunette, smoky caramel blonde, or latte shades. Cool skin tones (pink or blue undertones) can rock mushroom ash blonde or neutral brunettes. And if you’re not sure, ask your stylist—they’ll help you find a shade that flatters your features.